Upstate Truck Driver's Viral NYC Model Debuts in Big Apple

Joe Macken's massive balsa wood replica of New York City goes on display at new museum exhibition.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Upstate New York truck driver Joe Macken, who has gained TikTok fame for his intricate balsa wood model of New York City, unveiled the gargantuan replica at a new museum exhibition in the Big Apple on Monday. The display marks the first time the model has been showcased in a museum setting.

Why it matters

Macken's detailed model of the New York City skyline has amassed millions of views on TikTok, captivating audiences with its sheer scale and craftsmanship. The museum debut represents a major milestone for the self-taught artist and highlights the growing popularity of homemade, viral creations on social media.

The details

Macken, a 42-year-old truck driver from upstate New York, has spent the last five years meticulously crafting the 12-foot-wide, 6-foot-deep model out of balsa wood. The replica features hundreds of miniature skyscrapers, bridges, and landmarks, all painstakingly constructed by hand. After gaining a massive TikTok following for his work, Macken's model is now on display at a new exhibition at the New York Museum of Modern Art.

  • Macken began working on the model in 2021.
  • The model went viral on TikTok in 2025.
  • The model debuted at the New York Museum of Modern Art on February 9, 2026.

The players

Joe Macken

A 42-year-old truck driver from upstate New York who has gained TikTok fame for his intricate balsa wood model of the New York City skyline.

New York Museum of Modern Art

The museum hosting the debut exhibition of Macken's massive New York City model.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I never imagined my little hobby project would end up in a museum. It's truly an honor to have my work displayed here in the city that inspired it.”

— Joe Macken (TikTok)

What’s next

The museum plans to keep Macken's model on display through the end of 2026, with potential plans to tour the exhibit to other cities in the future.

The takeaway

Macken's viral success on TikTok and the museum debut of his labor-intensive New York City model highlight the power of social media to elevate homemade, passion-driven creations and provide unexpected opportunities for self-taught artists.